期刊
NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
卷 9, 期 -, 页码 -出版社
IOP PUBLISHING LTD
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/9/4/099
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资金
- EPSRC [EP/D067251/1] Funding Source: UKRI
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [EP/D067251/1] Funding Source: researchfish
A detailed optical study of the iridescent outer-shell of the beetle Plusiotis boucardi has revealed a novel microstructure which controls both the polarization and wavelength of reflected light. A previously unreported hexagonal array across the integument of the beetle exhibits highly localized regions of reflection of only red and green left-handed circularly-polarized light. Optical and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging reveals the origin of this effect as an array of 'bowl-shaped' recesses on the elytra that are formed from a dual-pitch helicoidal layer. Reflectivity spectra collected from the beetle are compared to theoretical data produced using a multi-layer optics model for modelling chiral, optically anisotropic media such as cholesteric liquid crystals. Excellent agreement is obtained between data and theory produced using a model that incorporates an upper isotropic layer ( of cuticular wax), followed by a short pitch ( 310 (+/- 1) nm) overlying a longer pitch ( 370 (+/- 1) nm) helicoidal layer of optically anisotropic material. These layers are backed by an absorbing underlayer. Synthetic replication of this form of structure may provide a route to the fabrication of tuneable micro-mirrors for optical applications.
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